‘Really good’: Eddie Howe has been so impressed with 23-year-old Newcastle man, backs him to get even better

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has spoken ahead of his side’s visit to Arsenal tomorrow.

Howe’s press conference, via the club’s official YouTube channel, gave him a chance to further reflect on their draw against Leeds.

The Magpies would have been disappointed not to come away with another win on Saturday.

However, they remain in the Champions League spots ahead of their match against the league leaders.

Howe still doesn’t have his full squad available, with Callum Wilson only just back in training, and Alexander Isak still out.

The Newcastle manager has settled on a consistent line-up elsewhere though, with the majority of his squad playing too well to be dropped.

Howe has admitted he’s been really impressed with Joe Willock this season.

He’s slotted straight into midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes, and the pair complement each other very well.

The 23-year-old has also been backed to get even better by his manager, which is an exciting prospect indeed for Newcastle fans.

Howe has been impressed by Willock

Howe was asked about the midfielder as he returns to his former club tomorrow and said: “I’ve been really pleased with Joe, he’s maturing nicely.

“I think he’s got really good, raw ability. He’s very athletic, got an eye for goal, technically very good and tactically I think he’s improving.

“He’s been excellent for me, I’ve forged a good relationship with him, I really like him as a person.

“I think the big thing with Joe is I know there’s a lot more in there as well, there’s a lot more to come and I’m excited about his future.”

Willock has started nearly every match for Newcastle this season, and has two goals and two assists.

The incredibly fast midfielder is constantly involved in possession, helping progress the ball from defence to attack.

Howe has been impressed with Willock, but admittedly previously he would like him to score more goals.

Willock needs to have a strong second half of the season to match his best tally of eight goals in one campaign.

If Newcastle continue to play this well all season, the 23-year-old is likely to have plenty of opportunities in front of goal to take advantage of.